What are dental caries, and who do they affect?
Key facts
- Oral diseases pose a major health burden for many countries and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement and even death.
- These diseases share common risk factors with other major noncommunicable diseases. ...
- It is estimated that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people. ...
What are the harmful effects of dental caries?
- Don’t give your child a bottle to sleep with or let them drink sweet beverages for an extended period.
- Limit the intake of sweets and sugary food. ...
- Introduce your child to a balanced diet which includes fruits and vegetables.
- Clean your child’s mouth even before their teeth come in. ...
- Don’t dip pacifiers in sweet liquids. ...
What are the signs and symptoms of dental caries?
Symptoms may include: Halitosis (bad breath) Visible pits and holes in teeth. Pronounced tooth sensitivity (especially to food and drinks too hot or cold) Pain when biting into food. Depending on the location and extent of the dental caries, indications and signs will be different. However, as the early on signs are almost unnoticeable, it will ...
What is the best way to prevent dental caries?
Tooth filling procedure is the following one:
- Your dentist can give you local anesthesia, so you will not feel a thing.
- Then the dentist, with a drill with diamante border and will remove and reshape the enamel to support the tooth filling.
- After the enamel is prepared, the dentist will clean the debris and caries from the dentin, using drill and steel borer, which gently is cleaning caries.
What is meant by dental caries?
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.
How is dental caries formed?
Cavities form when acids in the mouth wear down, or erode, a tooth's hard outer layer (enamel). Anyone can get a cavity. Proper brushing, flossing and dental cleanings can prevent cavities (sometimes called dental caries).
What is the difference between dental caries and caries?
The only difference between the two terms is that dental caries is the dental (or medical) term used to describe the very same process. Another difference is that tooth decay is the uncountable term (like “money”) whereas caries is the countable term (like “dollars”).
What are types of dental caries?
Typically, dental caries can be spotted on two specific areas of the teeth: occlusal caries, which form on the top most part of the tooth where food particles repeatedly come in direct contact with the teeth and interproximal caries, which are dental caries that form between the teeth.
How is caries treated?
A dentist can prescribe fluoride treatments like mouthwash or varnish to reverse early tooth decay. You'll probably need a filling if you have a hole (cavity) in your tooth. If tooth decay has reached the soft tissue (pulp) in the middle of your tooth, you may need root canal treatment.
Where are caries found?
Root caries are most likely to be found on facial surfaces, then interproximal surfaces, then lingual surfaces. Mandibular molars are the most common location to find root caries, followed by mandibular premolars, maxillary anteriors, maxillary posteriors, and mandibular anteriors.
What is the most common type of caries?
Fissure is one of the most common types of caries. The infection develops in the depressions of the contact surface of the chewing teeth, where food debris usually accumulates. Caries between teeth (lateral surfaces) – with this type of caries, two adjacent teeth are often affected at once.
What bacteria causes dental caries?
Etiology. Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of dental decay. Various lactobacilli are associated with progression of the lesion.
What is dental caries PDF?
Case Definition : Dental caries is an infectious microbiologic disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth, characterized by demineralization of the inorganic portion and destruction of the organic substance of the tooth. It is a common chronic disease that leads to pain and disability across all age groups.
What are three major categories of dental caries?
There are three likelihood categories (low, medium and high). For each of these categories ICCMS™ has defined evidence-based preventive and management strategies to either keep the risk of caries low, or lower the likelihood of caries development.
What is dental caries Class 10?
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty with eating. Dental caries is caused by the action of acids on the enamel surface.
What is dental caries?
Dental caries are small holes in your teeth. They begin as a demineralization of the tooth surface, and typically lead to the chronic, progressive destruction of your teeth. And they’re super-common! Most of us will have caries at one point or another.
Why do caries appear on teeth?
Caries develops on enamel due to the acidic environment produced by bacteria. Acute caries: This is a rapid process affecting a large number of teeth. Lesions associated with acute caries appear grayish or light brown. Secondary caries: These occur on the edges of restoration and fracture places in the mouth.
Why is my tooth more susceptible to caries than enamel?
Dentin and cementum are more prone to caries than enamel due to lower mineral content. Pulpitis, a condition that causes painful inflammation of the pulp (soft area within the center of the tooth containing nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue) Periodontitis, or gum disease.
How many children have dental caries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of children aged 5-19 years with untreated dental caries is 16.9% in the United States, whereas 31.6% of adults have untreated caries. CDC also reports the total prevalence of caries (both treated and untreated) is 45.8%.
What is crown dental?
Crowns, necessary for extensive decay and weakened teeth. Dental fillings, also known as restorations. This treatment approach is suitable for advanced cases of caries and cavities. Various materials are used to make fillings, such as dental amalgam, porcelain, and tooth-colored composite resins.
How to prevent food particles from chewing on your back teeth?
Consider getting dental sealants for the back teeth. Sealants are protective plastic coatings applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth to prevent the buildup of food particles.
Where do caries form?
Book now. Caries can appear in two forms called occlusal and interproximal caries. Occlusal caries form on the area on top of the tooth and are easy to spot. Interproximal caries develop in between teeth and may be unnoticed in the initial stages.
What Causes Dental Caries?
The mouth is naturally full of bacteria. However, when they build up in the mouth, they form a thick and sticky layer on the teeth called plaque. Plaque is made up of saliva, food debris, and bacteria. Plaque forms in various places, including:
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms experienced as a result of dental caries often vary, depending on the extent of damage and the location. When a cavity is in its early stages, there may not be any noticeable symptoms. However, as the decay progresses and digs deeper into the tooth, signs, and symptoms start to manifest. Some of the symptoms include:
Diagnosis
Dentists inspect teeth for cavities during every appointment. A quick visual inspection often does the trick. But from time to time, they may feel the need to probe around using an explorer. An explorer is a tool that is designed to check for pits and any damaged areas on the teeth.
How to Prevent Dental Caries
We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes or longer. Use a fluoride paste, rinse or gel when brushing your teeth. Fluoride reduces acid levels in the mouth and aids the remineralisation of tooth substance softened by acids ( 3 ).
What Happens If Caries Is Left Untreated
When caries is not treated, it develops into painful tooth decay. Lack of treatment may also cause uncontrolled decay in the mouth, leading to the loss of multiple teeth.
When Should You Call A Dentist?
You should have regular dental appointments. During these appointments, your dentist will pick up on any tooth decay in its early stages. However, if you notice your teeth are sensitive to eating or drinking cold, hot or sweet substances, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
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What is dental caries?
Dental Caries Symptoms. Dental caries (tooth decay) is progressive tooth destruction. It can affect single tooth or several teeth. Caries symptoms depend on the stage. In the early stage, superficial changes in tooth enamel. In the advanced stage, a visible cavity found on the tooth surface.
How to reverse caries?
The Early stage of caries can be reversed by regular tooth brushing to remove caries bacteria and using a fluoride toothpaste to replace mineral loss from the tooth surface. With poor oral hygiene, the progression of dental caries begins.
What causes plaque on teeth?
Poor oral hygiene: lack of dental care promotes bacterial growth, proliferation and the formation of plaque. When sugary food sticks or accumulates on the tooth surface. Oral bacteria decompose sugar and produce acidic metabolites that attack the tooth enamel and promote the development of caries.
What are the causes of tooth decay?
These factors are: Bacteria: they decompose carbohydrates and produce acidic metabolites that attack tooth enamel. Carbohydrate: it provides the basis of life for bacteria.
What is the term for a dark spot on the surface of a tooth?
In the beginning, dental caries is a pale or brownish spot on the tooth surface. Then, it turns later to a dark brown or black spot. If left untreated, It will continue to the dentin (the second layer in the tooth after tooth enamel) and eventually infects the tooth pulp.
Why do you need a root canal?
Root canal treatment: if dental caries bacteria spread to the tooth pulp, you will need a root canal treatment to remove bacteria from roots and to prevent a dental abscess. Root canal treatment is used to save a badly damaged tooth and prevent its extraction.
What is the treatment for late stage caries?
In most cases, the dental drill is used to remove bacteria from cavities. The treatment is performed under local anesthesia. Dental fillings: also known as “Dental restorations” such as amalgam, composite resin, and ceramics.
What is dental caries?
Dental caries is a common chronic infectious, transmissible disease resulting from tooth-adherent specific bacteria, primarily Streptococci Mutans that metabolize sugars to produce acid, which over time, demineralizes the tooth structure. This activity describes the evaluation and management of dental caries and highlights the role ...
Where did the term "dental caries" come from?
The term “dental caries” was first reported in the literature approximately around 1634, and it originates from the Latin word “caries,” which stands for decay. The term was initially used to describe holes in the teeth. Dental caries are reported to be one of the oldest and most common diseases found in humans.
When was dental caries first discovered?
The term “dental caries” was first reported in the literature approximately around 1634, and it originates from the Latin word “caries,” which stands for decay.
How many zones are there in carious tissue?
A carious tissue consists of four different zones histologically, among which three zones are visible clinically. The outer layer consists of the necrotic zone and contaminated zone containing microbial biofilm, which can be appreciated clinically as soft mineralized tissue of the tooth.
What are plaque and dietary factors?
Plaque and dietary factors are interdependent upon each other in the causation of dental caries. In contrast, the third circle, which represents the host, acts as a platform for the interaction of these factors. [1] Specific microorganisms are associated with the initiation and progressions of dental caries.
Is dental caries a multifactorial disease?
Dental caries is a multifactorial disease, which depends on various factors, predominantly on the presence of fermentable sugar, host factors, presence of cariogenic microbial flora, and other associated environmental factors. In the context of dental caries, researchers have proposed numerous theories.
When do infants develop caries?
Infants are prone to “rampant caries” or “nursing bottle caries” that affect primarily one or more decayed teeth in any primary tooth between the period of birth and 71 months of age. [2][3] Pathophysiology.
What is dental caries?
Dental caries is a biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, dynamic disease that results in the phasic demineralization and remineralization of dental hard tissues. Caries can occur throughout life, both in primary and permanent dentitions, and can damage the tooth crown and, in later life, exposed root surfaces.
Can caries occur in all life?
Caries can occur throughout life, both in primary and permanent dentitions, and can damage the tooth crown and, in later life, e …. Dental caries is a biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, dynamic disease that results in the phasic demineralization and remineralization of dental hard tissues. Caries can occur throughout life, both in ...
What is dental caries?
What are Dental Caries? Treatments, Signs, and Symptoms. Dental caries, which is also referred to as tooth decay or cavities, is one of the most common and widespread persistent diseases today and is also one of the most preventable . When you eat certain foods, the bacteria on your teeth breaks them down and produces acids ...
What is the treatment for tooth decay?
Root Canal: Another method of treatment, a dental professional may employ is called a root canal. As tooth decay progresses through the enamel and settles in the center of the tooth, it may even advance further and damage the nerves, which are in the root.
What is the most common form of treatment for tooth decay?
Fillings: Fillings are the most common form of treatment for the disease. A dental professional drills into the affected area (s) of the teeth, removes the decayed material inside the prepared cavity, and packs this empty space with an appropriate dental filling material.
When to use crowns for dental?
Crowns: Crowns are another option for dental professionals when treating dental caries , and are only used when a large proportion of the tooth is destroyed by disease. When tooth decay leads to the need for large fillings, the tooth becomes more prone to cracks and ultimately breaking. The dentist would attempt to salvage the remaining tooth, ...
What happens if you don't take care of your teeth?
If the teeth and surrounding areas are not cared for properly, the bacteria will begin to digest the sugars left over from food in your mouth and convert it into acids as a waste product. These acids are strong enough to demineralize the enamel on your teeth and form tiny holes—the first stage of dental caries.
Why do cavities form?
Cavities are caused by tooth decay — a process that occurs over time. Here's how tooth decay develops: Plaque forms. Dental plaque is a clear sticky film that coats your teeth. It's due to eating a lot of sugars and starches and not cleaning your teeth well.
What causes cavities in the chewing surface of teeth?
Pit and fissure cavities occur on the chewing surface of your teeth. Not cleaning your teeth well, frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks are the main culprits behind cavities. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are ...
What happens if you don't treat cavities?
If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.
What foods cause tooth decay?
Certain foods and drinks. Foods that cling to your teeth for a long time — such as milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy and mints, dry cereal, and chips — are more likely to cause decay than foods that are easily washed away by saliva. Frequent snacking or sipping.
What happens to the pulp of a tooth when it decays?
The pulp becomes swollen and irritated from the bacteria.
What are the symptoms of a cavity?
As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as: Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause. Tooth sensitivity. Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold.
What is the layer of enamel that is softer than enamel?
Once areas of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin. This layer is softer than enamel and less resistant to acid. Dentin has tiny tubes that directly communicate with the nerve of the tooth causing sensitivity. Destruction continues.
How to prevent dental caries?
Prevention of dental caries includes regular cleaning of the teeth, a diet low in sugar, and small amounts of fluoride. Brushing the teeth twice per day and flossing between the teeth once a day is recommended. Fluoride may be acquired from water, salt or toothpaste among other sources.
How does caries work?
Tooth enamel is a highly mineralized acellular tissue, and caries act upon it through a chemical process brought on by the acidic environment produced by bacteria. As the bacteria consume the sugar and use it for their own energy, they produce lactic acid. The effects of this process include the demineralization of crystals in the enamel, caused by acids, over time until the bacteria physically penetrate the dentin. Enamel rods, which are the basic unit of the enamel structure, run perpendicularly from the surface of the tooth to the dentin. Since demineralization of enamel by caries, in general, follows the direction of the enamel rods, the different triangular patterns between pit and fissure and smooth-surface caries develop in the enamel because the orientation of enamel rods are different in the two areas of the tooth.
What is a white spot on a tooth?
This is referred to as a white spot lesion, an incipient carious lesion or a "microcavity".
What is the term for the breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria?
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is the breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria. The cavities may be a number of different colors from yellow to black. Symptoms may include pain and difficulty with eating. Complications may include inflammation of the tissue around the tooth, tooth loss and infection ...
What are the factors that contribute to the acidogenic theory of causation of dental caries?
Four factors, namely, a suitable carbohydrate substrate (1), micro-organisms in dental plaque (2), a susceptible tooth surface (3) and time (4); must be present together for dental caries to occur (5). Saliva (6) and fluoride (7) are modifying factors.
How does dentin react to caries?
On the other hand, dentin is produced continuously throughout life by odontoblasts, which reside at the border between the pulp and dentin. Since odontoblasts are present, a stimulus, such as caries, can trigger a biologic response. These defense mechanisms include the formation of sclerotic and tertiary dentin.
What are the four things that make up caries?
Four things are required for caries to form: a tooth surface ( enamel or dentin), caries-causing bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates (such as sucrose ), and time. This involves adherence of food to the teeth and acid creation by the bacteria that makes up the dental plaque.